Looking for something to do for Children's Day? Head down to the whimsical Children's Biennale held at the National Gallery! The ever-growing exhibition opens annually with a different theme, and this year is "Let's Make A Better Place"! The installations makes the cogs of your brain work by asking you: How do I make here a better place to live in?
Ten artists, both homegrown and overseas have set up some exciting installations for the kids to play with! Some of the artists listed were Arahmaiani (Indonesia), Chiang Yu Xiang (Singapore), Fadilah Karim (Malaysia), and the International Museum of Children’s Art (Norway).
PS: The exhibition will run until 31 March 2024.
Exhibitions
1. I Love You by Arahmaiani
Credit: National Gallery
One of the many eye-catching exhibitions would be Arahmaiani's I love you installation, where the words are written in big bold, colourful Jawi letters (a way of writing Malay in the past)! It is a huge display that covers a large part of the space it occupies. There are items scattered around that you and your kid can play with. It is a perfect photo opportunity for capturing memories with your loved ones!
You can find this installation on the Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, Supreme Court Foyer.
2. The Magic Forest by the International Museum of Children's Art
Credit: National Gallery
Does your child ever dream of having their art seen by the world? Or do they love sharing their creations with you and their friends? The installation The Magic Forest by the International Museum of Children's Art is perfect then! The museum's aim is to collect drawings from children and preserve it for their future. Their birds, animals, and loved ones, as well as their hopes and dreams, will forever be memorialised through this installation. It's a comfy and cosy area, so come on down and let your inner artist out!
You can find this installation on the City Hall Wing, Level 1, Opposite Keppel Centre for Art Education
3. We Move This City by Chiang Yu Xiang
Credit: National Gallery
Toddler-friendly art experiences? Yes please! There's an adorable art installation by Chiang Yu Xiang called We Move This City. It looks at the future of transport through blocks! Put together your own vehicle or take a ride on a futuristic train. It's fun for the whole family!
4. Hutan by LittleCr3atures®, Jevon Chandra and Lynette Quek
Credit: National Gallery
Another artwork that is toddler-friendly is the Hutan installation by LittleCr3atures®, Jevon Chandra and Lynette Quek. This artwork immerses you and your little one into a forest (hutan in Malay) and take in the sights and sounds of the area. With their aim of creating a safe space for children to experience art, it will be comforting and eye-opening experience!
Art Goodies
Credit: National Gallery
To add to the experience, the National Gallery is offering a My Biennale Buddy guide for a donation of $2 on-site! The guide will allow your child (or yourself!) to better involve themselves and understand the thought-provoking artworks and the hardworking artists behind them.
Credit: National Gallery
Donating $5 will get you the Art Pack with and addition of a set of illustrated activity cards with the guide as well! These can be bought directly from the vending machines there.
Accessibility and Child-friendly facilities
Nursing and baby-changing rooms are available here:
- Inside the Keppel Centre for Art Education (KCAE) [has hot and cold water available]
- Near Lift Lobby A and Auditorium Foyer at Level B1
- Near Courtyard Café at Level 1 [has hot and cold water available]
- Next to Lift Lobby A and B at Levels 2–4 [has hot and cold water available]
The artwork is accessible to all walks of life from every background. Do note that the Children's Biennale is a multi-sensory exhibition with bright colours and loud sounds. Large crowds are also expected during peak hours!
For more information on accessibility needs, do check out the link here! It features all wheelchair-accessible installations and other assistance such as Singapore sign language interpreters if needed!
Admission: Free (No ticket is required)
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM
Address: National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957 (nearest MRT: City Hall)
